Departure Lounge Hits The Fringe

Departure Lounge Hits The Fringe

Forever in search of the good groove, Christchurch's Departure Lounge hits Wellington for the New Zealand Fringe Festival 2010 with a special one-off performance March 6.

Hot on the heels of their acclaimed second album In Session, Departure Lounge is set to serve up their solid reputation for soulful, mood-swinging melodies and a dynamic live performance that is a must-see for fans of progressive music.

Departure Lounge play The Mighty Mighty on March 6, on the final night of Fringe 2010.

Guitar maestro Grenell has collected some of Christchurch's best jazz musicians, beginning with a legendary performance at the 2005 Christchurch International Jazz Festival - one that was so electrifying that the recording was released as their first album a year later, Departure Lounge - Live.

The line-up is led by Grenell on guitar, who released his solo album Moving On in 2008 to critical success, and the new album features drummer Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight, Golden Horse), bassist Johnny Lawrence (Solaa), Cameron Pearce on trumpet (head of Chch Jazz School), saxophonist Chris Burke, pianist Darren Pickering, and the percussion duo of Sum Suraweera and Kurt Dyer (Solaa).

Joining the band as guests on the album are vocalists Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle), soul star in-the-making Mark Vanilau, and new recruit Roslen Langton (LA Mitchell). In Session was mixed by electronica pioneer The Nomad at his Fresh Produce studio in Melbourne, mastered by Grammy winner George Lambert of Massive Masters in the UK, and will be distributed by Border music in NZ.

It all adds up to an album with a damn-good groove from this exceptionally talented group of musicians. Here's what the critics said about Departure Lounge Live:

"Departure Lounge is an incredible instrumental ensemble… and they seem to be telepathic in terms of dynamic ensemble playing, interplay and groove." NZ Musician Magazine

"Grenell has gathered together a hugely talented array of Kiwi musicians for Departure Lounge. They all play with a great deal of technical dexterity and skill without becoming bogged down in traditional excesses of jazz."
Christchurch Press

Departure Lounge Live @ NZ Fringe 2010 Mighty Mighty, Cuba St Wellington Saturday March 6, 9pm $20 full, $15 conc, $14 Fringe Addict \

ENDS

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